Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)

DC 5298Musculoskeletal38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5298

Chronic pain in the coccyx (tailbone) area, often caused by a fall, prolonged sitting, or direct trauma. The VA rates coccydynia by analogy based on removal or partial removal of the coccyx with painful residuals.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 5298

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.71a, DC 5298. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have coccydynia with partial removal of the coccyx or severely painful residuals that significantly limit your ability to sit, drive, or perform sedentary work. You require a special cushion and frequent position changes.

What the VA looks for

Surgical intervention on the coccyx (coccygectomy) or chronic severe pain
Significant limitation of sitting tolerance
Need for specialized seating or cushion
Pain management records showing ongoing treatment
Impact on occupational functioning documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific in-service injury that caused the tailbone pain — falls, parachute jumps, vehicle accidents, and prolonged sitting on hard surfaces during service are common causes.
⚠Not explaining how coccydynia affects your ability to sit for work — since many jobs require sitting, document the impact on occupational functioning in detail.
⚠Not getting imaging of the coccyx — X-rays or MRI can show fracture, dislocation, or degenerative changes that support your diagnosis.
⚠Not requesting a higher analogous rating — coccydynia is rated by analogy, so make sure the examiner considers all functional limitations under 38 CFR 4.40 and 4.45.

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Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 5298

Rating range

10% – 20%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

What the VA looks for

Surgical intervention on the coccyx (coccygectomy) or chronic severe pain
Significant limitation of sitting tolerance
Need for specialized seating or cushion
Pain management records showing ongoing treatment
Impact on occupational functioning documented

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting the specific in-service injury that caused the tailbone pain — falls, parachute jumps, vehicle accidents, and prolonged sitting on hard surfaces during service are common causes.

⚠Not explaining how coccydynia affects your ability to sit for work — since many jobs require sitting, document the impact on occupational functioning in detail.

⚠Not getting imaging of the coccyx — X-rays or MRI can show fracture, dislocation, or degenerative changes that support your diagnosis.

⚠Not requesting a higher analogous rating — coccydynia is rated by analogy, so make sure the examiner considers all functional limitations under 38 CFR 4.40 and 4.45.